Section 51.30  Reporting Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation of an Adult with Disabilities

a)         Any person who has reasonable cause to believe abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult with disabilities has occurred may report this to the Project.

1)         The Project shall establish and maintain a single, statewide, TTY accessible, 24 hour toll free number that is available for all persons to use to report alleged or suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult with disabilities.

2)         The Office of Inspector General shall make every effort to publicize this number to encourage public understanding of and cooperation in reporting and eliminating abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult with disabilities.

3)         The Office of Inspector General shall conduct training at least annually for persons taking reports on the statewide system and for persons conducting assessments or making referrals for service plans.

b)         Any person, institution, or agency making a report or assessment under this Project in good faith, or providing information, participating in an assessment, or taking photographs or x-rays shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability on account of making a report to the Project.

c)         The identity of a person making a report of alleged or suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult with disabilities under this Part may be disclosed by the Office of Inspector General only with the person's written consent or a court order.

d)         The privileged quality of communication between any licensed health care professional or any other person who reports abuse, neglect and exploitation and his or her client shall not apply to situations involving the abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult with disabilities.

e)         Use of a telecommunications device for the deaf constitutes an oral report.

f)          Written reports may be taken. [20 ILCS 2435/25]